World

Mold and Rats Could Delay More 9-11 Pretrial Hearings

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Concerns about mold and rats at the U.S. base in Guantanamo in Cuba could prompt another delay in the Sept. 11 case.

Defense lawyers have long complained their offices are filled with moldy, dusty air and infested with rats. Several have gotten sick.

Now, health officials at the base have declared the offices unfit for working and have ordered repairs. A lawyer for accused terrorist Khalid Sheikh Mohammed says the repairs may not be finished in time for the next round of pretrial hearings, set to start Oct. 15.

Marine Corps Maj. Derek Poteet asked the judge to postpone the proceedings. The judge on Thursday ordered prosecutors to respond to the request.

Guantanamo hearings scheduled for August were canceled because of Tropical Storm Isaac.